Hobo`s Lullaby - Banjo with commentary

Hobo's Lullaby was written by, Goebel Reeves. Woody Guthrie once stated that this was his favorite song. I have never heard Woody sing this song unfortunately but I have heard his son, Arlo Guthrie sing it on one of his early albums and I still think that`s the best rendition of this song I have ever heard. He really tapped into the lonesome misery of the song but also the optimism. I play it on a mountain banjo, two finger thumb lead. Also there is a long commentary introduction. Feel free to skip over that if you don`t care to listen to me blubbering thru it. Song starts around the 2:05 mark.Show more

Hobo's Lullaby
Words and Music by Goebel Reeves
Mountain Banjo in Standard tuning only I`m tuned a whole octave lower in low G

Go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Can't you hear the steel rails hummin'
That's the hobo's lullaby

Now don't you worry 'bout tomorrow
Let tomorrow come and go
Tonight you're in a nice warm boxcar
Safe from all that wind and snow

Go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Can't you hear the steel rails hummin'
That's the hobo's lullaby

I know your clothes are torn and ragged
And your hair is turning gray
Lift your head and smile at trouble
You'll find peace and rest someday

Go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Can't you hear the steel rails hummin'
That's the hobo's lullaby

(New verse I wrote to replace the original mean anti police verse)

I know that life is full of trouble
And times are hard everywhere
But when you die and go to heaven
There`ll be no more troubles their

So go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Listen to the steel rails hummin'
That's a hobo's lullaby